In this fast-evolving world of smartphones, compact phones are a rare breed. As brands try to pack in more battery, powerful processors, and bigger camera sensors, phones have become ginormous. While sales clearly show that bigger is better while there is still a vocal minority that wants compact phones. With the launch of compact phones like the OnePlus 13T, Vivo X200 Pro Mini, and Oppo Find X8s, small is the new big, or so it seems. So why are brands suddenly interested in compact phones? Let’s find out.
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Why Do People Need Compact Phones?
With brands launching smaller phones left and right, it’s only natural to wonder why we are seeing the revival of small phones now. According to Counterpoint research, 74% of people in India prefer a compact phone despite the lack of options in the market.
Furthermore, 88% of respondents revealed they would buy a small phone as long as it offered flagship specs. Although the survey was commissioned by OnePlus, there is a growing demand for compact phones in the market. And brands have finally started listening to consumers.
Oppo Find X8s, Vivo X200 Pro Mini, Xiaomi 15, or the OnePlus 13T are perfect examples of compact phones that don’t compromise on specifications. By offering a similar experience to their bigger siblings, they cater to a niche yet growing audience of small phones.
Remember those days when phones with 5.5-inch screens were called phablets? Well, every phone out there is a phablet now, with 6.7-inch to 6.9-inch screens being the norm. The definition of compact phones has changed as phones have gotten bigger over time.
Previously, phones with sub-6-inch screens were called compact, but now, a 6.1-inch or 6.3-inch screen, and even a 6.5-inch screen, is considered a small phone. But the times are changing, and whether it’s slim phones or compact ones, they are making a comeback for better or for worse.
Reason 1: Perfect For Handed Usage
The main reason behind the rising appeal of compact phones is their one-handed usage. You don’t need to awkwardly stretch your hands or fingers to pull down the control center or notifications. Using the phone overall is easy, as you don’t need to engage in hand gymnastics. From typing messages to navigating menus, you can do things with just one hand.
Some software skins, like One UI, are centered around one-handed usage. It was the main reason cited by 73% of the respondents in the Counterpoint survey. Furthermore, if you hold a massive phone for prolonged periods, you might feel a cramp or pain in your hands. With a compact phone, your pinky finger won’t bear the brunt of holding the phone.
Reason 2: Easy To Slide In Your Pocket
Thanks to their tiny form factor, compact phones can easily slide into your pocket. Whether you are wearing skinny jeans or cargo pants, you can snugly fit these phones without a struggle. Since some people like to keep their phones in a shirt’s pocket, which is another plus point for compact phones. It can fit anywhere, so if portability is your priority, compact phones are the way to go.
Reason 3: Reduces Distractions
Let’s admit it: most of us are so addicted to our smartphones that we don’t even realize it. Even when there are no important messages or calls, we often unlock our phones to endlessly doomscroll on social media. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is the reason why people prefer to stick to their phones instead of conversing with the people around them.
No one likes to miss out on updates from their friends, family, or favorite content creators. A smaller screen can help somewhat negate this addiction by reducing our screentime. You wouldn’t binge-watch your favorite TV shows or text your crush all day on a small phone, would you? Watching content or texting on a smaller screen isn’t a great experience. This should effectively enhance your productivity since you will stay focused on tasks at hand. This is why most people flip phones or smaller phones.
Reason 4: More Affordable Than Bigger Phones
While compact flagships like Pixel 9, iPhone 16, and Galaxy S25 sell in large numbers, it’s not due to their screen size. It’s because these phones are more affordable compared to their Plus/Pro Max/Pro XL counterpart. No one buys the iPhone 16 Plus despite the larger screen since it does not justify the price.
Similarly, people either prefer the Galaxy S25 or the S25 Ultra rather than the S25 Plus. These Plus models are like the middle child in families that no one cares about. Most people either buy the base variant or the Pro Max/Ultra if they have the money. Compact phones are usually affordable and cheaper to make, which also contributes to their sales.
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Need vs Wants: Everyone Wants a Compact Phone, But No One Needs It
The sad reality is that despite a majority of the audience wanting a smaller phone, no one needs one. There is a clear distinction between the two, as needs are something essential for your survival, while wants are desires that enhance the quality of your life.
Given the limited options in the market, it’s no surprise that most people desire a compact phone but don’t wish to spend a lot of money on it. This is the reason why compact mid-rangers like the Motorola Edge 50 Neo are selling like hotcakes.
The sales figures of flagships like the Xiaomi 15 or the Oppo Find X8 come nowhere close to the Edge 50 Neo. The reason? No one wants to pay big money for a small phone, despite what their heart says.
The Definition Of a Compact Phone Has Changed
The screen size between 6.1-inch to 6.3-inch is absent from the reports of major analysts like IDC, Canalys, and Counterpoint. OEMs often focus on their Pro Max or Ultra models rather than their smaller siblings.
A key finding of the Counterpoint survey mentioned earlier is that 60% of the consumers want a phone between 6-inch to 6.5-inch. However, only 11% would prefer a phone smaller than 6 inches, while 29% want one bigger than 6.5 inches.
So, most people want a phone that does not fit the industry norms of a compact phone, i.e., devices smaller than 6.1 inches. This reinforces the idea that the definition of compact has shifted upwards from the sub-6-inch devices of the past.
Another reason is the compromises you need to make. As compact phones often pack a smaller battery, have fewer camera lenses, or smaller cooling chambers, this makes them a less lucrative option for a buyer. It’s also hard for companies to market a smaller phone that skimps out on features rather than creating a flagship that caters to everyone.
So, Why Are Brands Making Them?
The only road to redemption for compact phones is if they are priced aggressively without compromising on specifications or overall experience. Companies like Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and even OnePlus realized this fact long ago.
Take the OnePlus 13T/OnePlus 13s, for instance; it is relatively cheaper than the flagship OnePlus 13 and aims to retain similar specs at a much cheaper price point. The idea behind making these compact phones isn’t catering to a niche audience, it is to loop them into their exclusive ecosystem so they become a loyal customer.
For instance, when you buy a OnePlus 13T or an iPhone 16, you are becoming a part of the iOS/Android cult of the respective manufacturer. Most iPhone buyers find themselves locked in and are forced to purchase accessories like the Apple Watch and AirPods.
With emerging technologies like Silicon Carbon, manufacturers can cram more battery capacity in the same form factor. Phones like the Oppo Find X8s and the OnePlus 13T pack a 5,70mAh and 6,200mAh battery, respectively, so battery anxiety isn’t a concern anymore.
Why Are Brands Betting on Compact Phones Instead of Flip Phones?
Well, the answer is that the compact phones are cheaper and easier to manufacture. Flip phones have lots of moving parts and complex hinges, which add to the overall cost. Moreover, the sentiment surrounding foldable in general is weaning off slowly as the initial novelty factor has worn out.
According to a Counterpoint survey, the foldable market is set to witness a decline in 2025. The market for foldable saw a measly growth of 2.9% YoY, and in 2025, analysts predict single-digit negative growth.
Durability is another concern apart from the price, as flip phones don’t have IP ratings compared to a regular slab phone. The involvement of moving parts and hinges means it isn’t as sturdy as a regular phone.
Last but not least, while the inner screen and overall form factor of a flip phone are compact, when you unfold the phone, it’s just another smartphone. This instantly makes them lose the interest of a potential buyer who wants a regular small phone.
While Chinese OEMs prioritize slim phones, Apple (iPhone 17 Air) and Samsung (S25 Edge) are working hard to make phones slimmer than before. But which one of these trends will live to see another day? Only time can tell.
